Further steps have had to be taken at Sarnia's arenas to make sure the provincial indoor gathering limit of 50 is being adhered to.
Spectators are no longer permitted.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley said the only people allowed in the arenas are the players, coaches, and ice staff.
"We're following the provincial guideline of no more than 50 people, and there have been issues with that at the arenas. So there have been some steps taken to allow hockey to proceed but to make sure that we stay within that 50 limit."
Bradley said other provincial changes dictate when arena doors can open to the public.
"For example, Progressive Auto Sales Arena will open 20 minutes prior to each ice rental and locked again for five minutes prior to the start time, and that is simply to keep people from naturally, when you get to an arena and maybe you don't know the timing of the other game, you will know it's locked for a reason: to protect you and to make sure that we keep under that 50 rule."
Back in June, city council voted to keep arenas closed, with Bradley being the deciding vote.
"It was a big decision and I remember getting all the flack when I broke the tie vote to keep the arenas closed a few months ago, it was because of our concerns about the safety. We move forward with a lot of work from the staff to make sure this could work, good cooperation from many in the hockey world, but what has happened is they are over the 50 person limit -- that's why spectators cannot watch recreational sports right now in those arenas."
Other safety measures in place at Progressive Auto Sales Arena include signage and directional arrows to promote physical distancing.
Masks are also mandatory in keeping with the City of Sarnia bylaw.
PASA Rink 2 reopened on August 4. Rink 1 and Clearwater Arena are both scheduled to reopen on September 14, and Sarnia Arena on September 21.
-With files from Sue Storr
